The federal government released a new set of exercise guidelines in October without much fanfare. However, since this is the week many members and potential members will be looking to follow through on their New Year’s Resolutions, it may be time to take another look at them.
The report, titled Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, says that adults gain health benefits from two-and-a-half hours per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity. They should also incorporate weight training at least two days per week. There are also guidelines for children, older adults, women during pregnancy, adults with disabilities and people with chronic medical conditions.
Those of us in the fitness industry sometimes live in a bubble, not remembering that everyone doesn’t read the health and fitness news in their paper, or subscribe to email notices with the keyword “exercise” in them. The fact that the U.S. government publishes exercise guidelines at all may be a surprise to many of your members and potential members, and may be something to mention in your advertising or when giving member tours.
Many new members are confused about what exercises they should do, how much and how often, and these guidelines are a great place to start. Why not create an incentive program using them, and reward members who reach these goals for a whole month? It doesn’t have to be much. You’d be surprised by what people will do for a free T-shirt or water bottle.
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